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Energy

I support the development of both traditional and renewable energy resources in Texas. Over the last five years, the Texas oil and natural gas industry has made a dramatic turnaround. Texas’ daily oil production has doubled in the last three years thanks to new drilling techniques, which allow producers to unlock oil and gas trapped in shale rock formations such as theEagle Ford Shale. Importantly, while Texas leads the country in the production of oil and gas, it also leads the country in the production of wind energy. Texas has installed more than 12,000 megawatts of wind turbines, which is more than double the production capacity of the next highest state.

As South Texas’ population continues to grow and businesses expand, it is important for our region to produce energy from a variety of sources. Currently, our district has at least five wind farms with a total capital investment of more than $1 billion. Additionally, Brownville Public Utilities Board is in the process of developing an 800-megawatt, natural gas-fired power plant, which will provide cheap and clean energy to South Texas – giving South Texas a competitive advantage over other regions.

The northernmost part of District 34 is in the Eagle Ford Shale. The energy boom is creating opportunities and challenges in cities such as Alice, Beeville, Cuero, Yoakum, and Pettus. While increased sales tax revenue is supporting large-scale projects such as the construction of a natatorium in Alice, increased truck traffic is straining the region’s county roads.

The expanding oil, gas, and wind energy industries highlight the importance of investing in infrastructure projects such as completing the I-69 corridor and improving Texas’ ports. Promoting energy production in Texas is crucial to ensure that Texas’ economy continues to grow.